The One Thing Study is a simple yet powerful devotional tool that helps anyone experience the transformative power of God’s Spirit through His Word. Designed for easy sharing, it equips disciples to read, obey, and share Scripture. The study follows three steps, summarized by the acronym O.N.E.
O = Observe
Read at least a passage. Passages are the basic units of thought in the Bible. They are often set apart by a bold or italicized summary statement, typically consisting of one or more paragraphs. Start with any book in the New Testament and read through that particular book, beginning to end.
N = Note
Read with purpose. The Bible is a book of answers, and what you glean depends on the questions you ask. The best question to ask God is, “What One Thing (word, phrase, or sentence) is most important for me to meditate upon today?” Once identified, mark it by underlining, highlighting, or circling it, making it easy to retrieve for personal reflection or sharing with others.
E = Express
Allow God's word to prompt a response. Let your love for God inspire an expression of thanksgiving, prayer, or a specific action. The goal is to move beyond mere knowledge to loving obedience. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey me." (John 14:15 NLT).
O = Observe
Read at least a passage. Passages are the basic units of thought in the Bible. They are often set apart by a bold or italicized summary statement, typically consisting of one or more paragraphs. Start with any book in the New Testament and read through that particular book, beginning to end.
N = Note
Read with purpose. The Bible is a book of answers, and what you glean depends on the questions you ask. The best question to ask God is, “What One Thing (word, phrase, or sentence) is most important for me to meditate upon today?” Once identified, mark it by underlining, highlighting, or circling it, making it easy to retrieve for personal reflection or sharing with others.
E = Express
Allow God's word to prompt a response. Let your love for God inspire an expression of thanksgiving, prayer, or a specific action. The goal is to move beyond mere knowledge to loving obedience. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey me." (John 14:15 NLT).
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Simple doesn't mean shallow. The One Thing Study is transformative because it connects readers with the precise words God has chosen for them. Unlike devotionals, which offer someone else’s selection of words, the One Thing Study provides the exact message intended for you by the Holy Spirit. Consistent meditation on these words can lead to a significant transformation (2 Timothy 3:15-17, Psalm 119:97).
Don't mistake this devotional study for Bible study. The purpose of the One Thing Study is NOT to understand everything you read. That is a different type of study. The purpose is to listen for a word, phrase or verse you understand and respond to it obediently.
Disciple-making begins with personal, vertical worship before moving outward to witness. Our experiences with God shape what we express about Him publicly.
The One Thing Study is essential for teaching new disciples, embodying the principle of teaching someone to fish rather than just giving them a fish. It offers spiritual nourishment that lasts a lifetime.
Incorporate the One Thing Study into your daily prayer life. Use your "One Thing" in prayers for your family, friends, disciples, and the day ahead.
This study is not a "daily" devotional tool. Don’t let perfectionism hinder your progress; missing a day or two does not require extra effort to "catch up." Conversely, avoid merely going through the motions without genuine engagement. As Rick Warren states, we are as spiritually mature as we choose to be.
The One Thing Study is revealing in nature. Sharing insights is akin to using a spiritual stethoscope to listen to someone’s heart. It uncovers the true nature of a person’s relationship with God in a way nothing else can.
Don't mistake this devotional study for Bible study. The purpose of the One Thing Study is NOT to understand everything you read. That is a different type of study. The purpose is to listen for a word, phrase or verse you understand and respond to it obediently.
Disciple-making begins with personal, vertical worship before moving outward to witness. Our experiences with God shape what we express about Him publicly.
The One Thing Study is essential for teaching new disciples, embodying the principle of teaching someone to fish rather than just giving them a fish. It offers spiritual nourishment that lasts a lifetime.
Incorporate the One Thing Study into your daily prayer life. Use your "One Thing" in prayers for your family, friends, disciples, and the day ahead.
This study is not a "daily" devotional tool. Don’t let perfectionism hinder your progress; missing a day or two does not require extra effort to "catch up." Conversely, avoid merely going through the motions without genuine engagement. As Rick Warren states, we are as spiritually mature as we choose to be.
The One Thing Study is revealing in nature. Sharing insights is akin to using a spiritual stethoscope to listen to someone’s heart. It uncovers the true nature of a person’s relationship with God in a way nothing else can.
Resources
- Watch The Bible is Alive (2:09)
- View DMM Resources